Cotton Ranch has a much different setting than most of the golf courses in the Vail area. It is about 30 miles from Vail, in a countryside setting with fewer trees and mountains. Just because there are not as many trees and elevation changes does not mean you should pass this course off as easy. There is another factor that you need to throw into the equation: the wind. The wind was brutal when we played here. Everything was out in the open, so the wind never went away. For the average golfer like me, a brutal wind will make you have one of the "Ahhh, I didn't keep score today" rounds. The greens and fairways were well kept but not as nice as Beaver Creek.

We payed $40 for 18 holes, cart, and range balls, but that was at twilight and during the off-season. Expect to pay more during peak season and non-twilight. There was a lot of construction while we were there, which was wonderful to hear as you tee off. The highlight of Cotton Ranch is the signature hole that drops about 200 feet to the green almost right below you. Overall, Cotton Ranch was a nice course and very well-maintained, but for the distance you drive to get there, I believe there are other courses closer to Vail that are just as nice or better.